Derry Surprise At Watson Move

Crystal Palace skipper Shaun Derry has expressed his surprise that former team-mate Ben Watson has dropped back into the Championship.

Watson penned a loan deal with Queens Park Rangers until the end of December, a move which surprised Derry considering his impact last season.

'I know it was Steve Bruce who signed Ben for Wigan but I thought his style of play would suit the new boss Roberto Martinez,' said the Palace stalwart.

'But this is a chance for Ben to concentrate on his game and perhaps prove people wrong - I'm sure he will because he's an excellent player.

'Without any doubt he has the quality to be back in the Premier League again in the future. I feel he typifies an English midfielder - he's box to box, scores and makes goals and has good set-piece deliveries.'

Watson signed for Wigan under the aforementioned Steve Bruce for a £2m, despite continued interest from Queen Park Rangers. He scored goals against Sunderland and Hull City in the second half of last season.

Following the appointment of former Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez, coupled with the signing of Jordi Gomez, Watson dropped down the pecking order and has been sent on loan to get first team football.

Today however he expressed his desire to return to Wigan Athletic and hoped that the loan spell in W12 could push him back into the Spaniard's plans.

Watson will have a chance to show Derry and his fellow Eagles what they're missing as QPR take on Palace on Tuesday September 15 at Loftus Road.